For a variety of reasons, we don’t typically do series previews here at Royals Authority. One reason is that there haven’t been a whole lot of important series in the past few years that are worth previewing. The upcoming series with the Cleveland Indians could be quite the turning point in the season, so I think it’s valuable to take a peek at what’s to come.

The series with the Indians is a battle for first place in the American League Central. The last time the two teams met, the series ended in a 2-2 tie. This one is a three gamer, so there will inevitably be a winner and a loser. Both teams are also currently on three game losing streaks so, something has to give.

Who’s hot?

The Indians’ Travis Hafner is hitting .348/.395/.580 on the season so far. He’s gone hitless in only 3 of the 19 games he’s played in this season.

The Royals’ Alex Gordon is currently in the midst of a career long 18 game hitting streak. His off-the-cuff remarks in the off-season about “dominating” seem to be coming true for the moment.